Releasable locking assembly

ABSTRACT

A locking assembly for releasably retaining yarn packages on a support spindle includes a pair of displaceable latch parts adapted to form an opening for receiving the end of a spindle when in one position and adapted to lockingly engage a recess in the spindle in another position. The latch plates also lockingly engage a collar having a yarn package engaging flange secured thereto when locked to the spindle. Coil springs located intermediate two handles normally bias the latch parts into engagement with the spindle and the collar. Alternatively, the flange may be spring biased for displacement relative to the latch parts and axially of the package support for applying pressure to the packages.

United States Patent [191 Stearns et al.

[ 51 May 8, 1973 RELEASABLE LOCKING ASSEMBLY [52] US. Cl ..68/198, 68/212 [51] Int. Cl. ..B05c 11/00, 1305c 11/122 [58] Field of Search ..68/10, 189, 198,

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,200,546 10/1916 Traver ..68/198 1,507,839 9/1924 Lafayette 3,481,165 12/1969 Tigges ..68/212 X Primary ExaminerWilliam T. Price Attorney-David Rabin [57] ABSTRACT A locking assembly for releasably retaining yarn packages on a support spindle includes a pair of displaceable latch parts adapted to form an opening for receiving the end of a spindle when in one position and adapted to lockingly engage a recess in the spindle in another position. The latch plates also lockingly engage a collar having a yarn package engaging flange secured thereto when locked to the spindle. Coil springs located intermediate two handles normally bias the latch parts into engagement with the spindle and the collar. Alternatively, the flange may be spring biased for displacement relative to the latch parts and axially of the package support for applying pressure to the packages.

13 Claims, 9 Drawing Figures RELEASABLE LOCKING ASSEMBLY BRIEF SUMMARY AND OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION port. The yarn carrier'then may be transferred to a kier lo arrangement for the dyeing operation.

This invention relates generally to a locking assembly for releasably retaining a plurality of yarn packages upon a supporting spindle, and more particularly to a cap adapted to be locked in preselected locations upon the spindle and in abutting relation with the uppennost package supported by the spindle.

Briefly, the locking cap arrangement includes a pair of opposed latch parts adapted to be slidably displaced relative to each other with each latch part defining a semi-circular opening therein. In one position of the latch parts, the semi-circular openings align to form a circular opening intermediate the latch parts for receiving the upper end of the package supporting spindle. The latchparts normally are biased away from each other by springs positioned between opposed handles, one handle being secured to each latch part. The latch parts are slidably retained within a recessed portion of a circular plug by means of latch hold down bars. The upper end of the spindle has a series of spaced radial slots which cooperate with the latch members to releasably secure the plug and latch members to the spindle. In one embodiment, the plug is positioned cen-. trally of a collar member having an enlarged flange secured thereto which presses upon the uppermost yarn package on the spindle. When the latch parts are biased away from each other, they are received within a circumferential groove. within the collar. In another embodiment, the collar may be omitted and the flange spring biased into engagement with the uppermost package.

One of the primary objects of the invention is the provision of a new and improved locking arrangement for retaining yarn packages on a supporting spindle.

Another object of the invention is the provision of a locking arrangement which may be readily and conveniently applied to and released from a spindle.

A further object of the invention is the provision of a locking cap which is simple in construction and rugged and durable in operation.

Still another object of the invention is the provision of a locking cap having a spring arrangement for applying a pressure to the yarn packages.

Other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent when considered in view of the following detailed description.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES FIG. 1 is a side elevational view of a yarn carrier including a plurality of upstanding spindles, with certain of the spindles having yarn packages supported thereon and illustrating the locking arrangements for retaining the packages on the spindles;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged, side elevational view, with parts broken away, of a locking arrangement constructed in accordance with the present invention and releasably secured to the upper end of a spindle;

FIG. 3 is a top plan view of the locking arrangement of FIG. 2; I

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of a portion of the locking arrangement taken along line 4-4 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is an enlarged, top plan view of the opposed, displaceable latch parts slidably mounted and retained upon the plug by latch hold down bars, the hold down bars being shown in broken line and the displaceable latch parts being in locking engagement within a groove of a package support spindle;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view similar to FIG. 5 with the opposed latch parts being displaced to an unlocked position whereby they can be removed from the spin dle;

FIG. 7 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the elements of FIG. 5 taken along line 7'-7; and

FIGS is an exploded perspective view of the plug, with a portion removed, and one of the latch parts; and

FIG. 9 is a side elevational view of a modified embodiment of the locking arrangement including a package engaging flange which is spring biased axially of a package support spindle.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Referring to the drawing and particularly to FIG. 1, there is illustrated a yarn carrier 10 including a support base 12 and a plurality of upstanding spindles 14. The yarn carrier 10 is adapted to be lifted and transferred to and from a kier by means of the loop 16 and central support 18. In FIG. I, yarn packages P have been supported in superposed relation by certain of the spindles 14. It is to be understood that the size and configuration of the packages may vary. The packages are retained on the spindle by the locking assemblies 20 of the present invention.

The locking assembly 20 includes a plug 22 formed of a circular plate member having a central opening 24 for receiving a spindle end portion, and a relatively wide recess 26 for receiving latch parts 28 and 30. The latch parts 28 and 30 are mirror images of each other and are positioned in opposed relation to each other within the recess 26 of plug 22. The widths of the latch parts correspond substantially to the width of the wide recess 26 of plug 22. Each latch part 28 and 30 is generally L-shaped having a recess 32 for receiving the lug 34 of the opposed latch part, as shown by FIG. 6. As shown most clearly by FIG. 6, each latch part further includes a raised central portion 36 defining shoulder areas 38 and 40, a raised portion 42 at one end defining a shoulder area 44, and a semi-circular recess 46. When the latch parts 28 and 30 are displaced towards each other with the lugs 34 within recesses 32, as shown by FIG. 6, the semi-circular recesses 46 of the parts 28 and 30 are opposed to each other and define a circular opening aligned with and substantially corresponding in size to the opening 24 in plug 26.

The latch parts 28 and 30 are retained within the recess 26 of plug 22 by a pair of latch hold down bars 48 and 50 which are welded or otherwise suitably secured to the upper surface areas 52 of the plug. Note that the hold down bars 48 and 50' are positioned with respect to the latch parts 28 and 30 such that the shoulder areas 38, 40 and 42 are adapted to abut the hold down bars 48 and 50 upon slidable displacement of the latch parts. For example, when the latch parts 28 and 30 are displaced away from each other, as shown by FIG. 7, the shoulder areas 40 abut hold down bars 48 or 50 limiting displacement of the latch parts. When the latch parts 28 and 30 are displaced toward each other, as shown by FIG. 6, shoulder areas 44 and 38 of the latch parts abut the holddown bars 48 and 50 limiting displacement of the latch parts.

Each latch part 28 and 30 is provided with a handle 52 secured upon the raised portion 42 thereof. Each handle, which is generally in the form of a plate, has a pair of studs 54 protruding therefrom for receiving the ends of coil springs 56, as shown by FIGS. 2 and 3. The springs 56 normally urge the latch parts 28 and 30 away from each other, as shown by FIGS. 1, and 7.

The upper end portion of each spindle 14 is provided with a cylindrical or shaft section 58 having a series of spaced grooves 60 extending around the circumference of the section 58. The widths of the grooves 60 substantially correspond to the thickness of latch parts 28 and 30 such that the latch parts can be received within the grooves.

To apply the latch parts 28 and 30 to a spindle l4, forces are applied to displace the latch parts in the direction of the arrows, FIG. 6, by the handles 52 which compresses the springs 56. As the shoulder areas 38 and 44 of each latch part abut the hold down bars 50 and 48, the latch part recesses 46 are opposed thereby forming a circular opening. In this position the plug opening 24 and the round opening formed by the latch parts are adapted to receive the upper end portion 58 of a spindle. The latch parts and plug then are displaced axially of the shaft section 58 until the latch parts 28 and 30 are aligned with a selected one of the plurality of grooves 60. At the selected location, the force applied to the handles 52 is released and the springs 56 urge the latch parts 28 and 30 away from each other to the positions of FIGS. 5 and 7. In this position, the portion 62, FIG. 5, of the latch parts are displaced into a groove 60 thereby preventing displacement of the latch parts 28 and 30 and plug 22 axially of the spindle shaft section 58.

The outermost comer area 64 of the raised portions 42 of the latch parts 28 and 30 lockingly engage a collar 66 when the portion 62 of the latch parts are lockingly positioned within a groove 60 of one of the spindles 14. The collar 66 has a generally ring-like configuration with a circumferential groove 68 on the inner periphery thereof, the groove 68 slidably receiving the comer areas 64 upon displacement of the latch parts 28 and 30 away from each other, as shown by FIGS. 2 and 4. When the handles 52 are urged towards each other, the latch parts 28 and 30 move inwardly, as shown by FIG. 6, within the inner periphery of the collar 66 thereby permitting the plug 22, latch parts 28, 30, etc., to be released from the collar 66. The outer diameter of the plug 22 is slightly less than the inner diameter of the uppermost portion of the collar 66. The lower portion of the plug 22 is tapered, as at 70, see FIGS. 2, 7 and 8, and defines a shoulder 72, FIG. 7.

Secured to the inner periphery of the collar 66 is a cylindrical member 74 having a flange 76 secured to the end thereof opposite the collar. The flange 76 is pressed against the uppermost package P on a spindle and has a diameter substantially corresponding to the diameter of the package. It is to be understood that the size and configuration of the flange 76 may vary depending upon the type of packages supported upon the spindle. As shown by FIGS. 2 and 3, the cylindrical member 74 is in surrounding relation with the grooved shaft section 58 of the spindle. The shoulder 72 of the plug 22 normally is received within the collar 66 and rests upon the upper edge surface of the cylindrical member 74, see FIG. 2.

After stacking a series of packages P upon a spindle 14, as shown by FIG. 1, the unit comprising the flange 76, cylindrical member 74 and collar 66 are positioned around the spindle section 58 and upon the uppermost package P and the flange pressed downwardly thereby compressing the packages. The unit comprising the plug 22, latch parts 28 and .30, hold down bars 48, 50, handles 52 and springs 56 then is positioned in releasably locking engagement with the spindle section 58 as well as the collar 66. By urging the latch parts 28 and 30 toward each other, the recesses 46 form the round opening for receiving spindlesection 58 and the corner areas 64 move inwardly to clear the inner periphery of the collar 66. Upon release of the handles 52 and the pressure applied downwardly upon the flange 76 and packages P, springs 56 urge the latch parts 28 and 30 away from each other thereby urging the latch part comer areas 64 into locking engagement within groove 68 of the collar 66 and latch part portions 62 into locking engagement within the groove positioned immediately thereabove. The' latch parts slide upwardly and into the adjacent upper groove 60 due to the expansion of the packages upon release of the pressure applied to flange 76.

FIG. 9 relates to a modified embodiment of the invention wherein the flange is spring biased. In this embodiment a guide tube 80 is positioned in surrounding relation with the central opening 24 of plug 22 and extends downwardly therefrom. A coil spring 82 surrounds the guide tube 80 and has one end abutting the plug 22 while the other end abuts a stop member 84. The member 84 is slidably displaceable upon the guide tube 80 and is prevented from disengagement therefrom due to the flared lower portion 86 of the guide tube. The flange 76' may be-urged downwardly into engagement with a perforated tube 88 of a package P by the action of the spring 82 since the stop member has a radially extending lip 90 which engages the flange 76 adjacent the inner peripheral portion of the flange. The flange 76 may be separate from or secured to the lip 90.

In this embodiment the entire assembly is positioned over a package support spindle by forcing the handles 52 inwardly. The handles 52, latch parts 28, 30 and plug 22' are then forced downwardly and since the flange 76' abuts the uppermost package, the spring 82 is compressed permitting the guide tube 80 to be displaced relative to the spring stop member 84. The pres sure applied to handles 52 then is released urging the latch parts towards a locking position. Downward pressure applied axially of the spindle 58 is gradually released permitting the spring 82 to urge the latch parts 28, 30 upwardly until springs 56 force the latch parts into a spindle groove 60.

After dyeing, the height of a column of packages on a support spindle may decrease slightly due to gravity. The flanges may be readjusted by simply unlocking the latch parts from the spindle groove and urging them lower until they engage a lower groove. In the dyeing operation it is important that the locking mechanism on each spindle be positioned in grooves at the same level thereby giving the same density to fibers forming the packages.

We claim:

l. A releasable locking assembly for retaining yarn packages upon a spindle of a yarn carrier comprising; support means adapted to be positioned upon a spindle, displaceable latch means slidably mounted upon said support means, means retaining said latch means upon said support means, said latch means including surfaces defining an opening, in a first position, for receiving a spindle, said surfaces lockingly engaging the spindle when said latch means is displaced to a second position, and means for biasing said latch means to said second position.

2. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 1 said support means having surfaces defining an opening therethrough for receiving an end portion of a spindle and a recess for receiving said latch means.

3. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 1, said latch means comprising a pair of latch parts positioned in opposed relation to each other for displacement towards or away from each other.

4. A releasable locking assembly as recited inclaim 3, each of said pair of latch parts having a generally L- shaped configuration and including a semi-circular recess formed by said surfaces, and shoulder areas for abutting said means retaining said latch means upon said support means, to limit displacement of the latch parts relative to said support means.

5. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 3, and further including a handle secured to each of said latch parts, said biasing means being positioned intermediate the handles for urging the handles and latch parts away from each other.

6. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 1, and further including means mounted in surrounding relation with respect to a spindle and the support means, and adapted to be supported by a yarn package mounted on a spindle.

7. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 6, said latch means including surfaces for lockingly engaging said means mounted in surrounding relation to the spindle and said support means when said latch means is in said second position.

8. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 7, said means mounted in surrounding relation to a spindle and the support means including a collar having a circumferentially extending recess within the inner peripheral surface thereof for receiving said latch means.

9. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 8, said means mounted in surrounding relation to a spindle and the support means further including, a flange member adapted to be positioned upon a yarn package and cylindrical means for encircling a spindle and interconnecting said flange member and said collar.

10. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 9, said latch means comprising a pair of latch parts positioned in opposed relation to each other for displacement towards or away from each other.

11. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 1, and further including flange means spaced axially of a support spindle from said support means for engaging a yarn package supported upon a yarn carrier spindle, and means secured to said support means and positioned intermediate said support means and said flange means for biasing said flange means into engagement with a package when said locking assembly is locked upon a spindle of a yarn carrier.

12. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 1 1, wherein said biasing means secured to said support means includes a spring means having one end abutting said support means and another end abutting amember displaceable relative to said support means for applying a force to said flange means.

13. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 12, said biasing means further including a hollow guide member depending from said support means and adapted to receive a package support spindle, said spring means including a coil spring encircling said guide member, said member displaceable relative to said support means for applying a force to said flange means being in slidable engagement with said guide member. 

1. A releasable locking assembly for retaining yarn packages upon a spindle of a yarn carrier comprising; support means adapted to be positioned upon a spindle, displaceable latch means slidably mounted upon said support means, means retaining said latch means upon said support means, said latch means including surfaces defining an opening, in a first position, for receiving a spindle, said surfaces lockingly engaging the spindle when said latch means is displaced to a second position, and means for biasing said latch means to said second position.
 2. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 1, said support means having surfaces defining an opening therethrough for receiving an end portion of a spindle and a recess for receiving said latch means.
 3. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 1, said latch means comprising a pair of latch parts positioned in opposed relation to each other for displacement towards or away from each other.
 4. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 3, each of said pair of latch parts having a generally L-shaped configuration and including a semi-circular recess formed by said surfaces, and shoulder areas for abutting said means retaining said latch meAns upon said support means, to limit displacement of the latch parts relative to said support means.
 5. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 3, and further including a handle secured to each of said latch parts, said biasing means being positioned intermediate the handles for urging the handles and latch parts away from each other.
 6. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 1, and further including means mounted in surrounding relation with respect to a spindle and the support means, and adapted to be supported by a yarn package mounted on a spindle.
 7. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 6, said latch means including surfaces for lockingly engaging said means mounted in surrounding relation to the spindle and said support means when said latch means is in said second position.
 8. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 7, said means mounted in surrounding relation to a spindle and the support means including a collar having a circumferentially extending recess within the inner peripheral surface thereof for receiving said latch means.
 9. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 8, said means mounted in surrounding relation to a spindle and the support means further including, a flange member adapted to be positioned upon a yarn package and cylindrical means for encircling a spindle and interconnecting said flange member and said collar.
 10. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 9, said latch means comprising a pair of latch parts positioned in opposed relation to each other for displacement towards or away from each other.
 11. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 1, and further including flange means spaced axially of a support spindle from said support means for engaging a yarn package supported upon a yarn carrier spindle, and means secured to said support means and positioned intermediate said support means and said flange means for biasing said flange means into engagement with a package when said locking assembly is locked upon a spindle of a yarn carrier.
 12. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 11, wherein said biasing means secured to said support means includes a spring means having one end abutting said support means and another end abutting a member displaceable relative to said support means for applying a force to said flange means.
 13. A releasable locking assembly as recited in claim 12, said biasing means further including a hollow guide member depending from said support means and adapted to receive a package support spindle, said spring means including a coil spring encircling said guide member, said member displaceable relative to said support means for applying a force to said flange means being in slidable engagement with said guide member. 